My pastor has been sharing messages about stillness. These resonate a lot with me as it’s been a journey that God has called me to for many years. I say a journey because it has not been a one and done level of stillness. In each season, it’s looked far different than sitting and waiting and twiddling my thumbs, waiting for something to happen.
As my pastor shared the message this week, he said a few words that reminded me of a specific thought. I searched my notes and shared it with him, showing him that I had written a similar thought in September 2021, before we had even met each other.
Some time later, as I contemplated the words that had been written – I had thought it was going to be a season of rest after hustling for almost my whole adult life. Somehow, looking back, I don’t recall actually getting that rest and started wondering why. I then relooked at the date and it dawned on me. That post was written a week or two prior to me sensing the Lord had a different idea – for me to launch my financial services firm, where I guide individuals on managing and stewarding their resources better.
It finally hit me.
My words this year have been ‘rest and surrender’. After so many years of hustling, I grapple with what rest should look like, and, surrender is a whole different topic, as I’m learning what that means and what is required of me in this department.
Something surprising has emerged, in ‘rest’, for me, it’s not inactivity. It’s almost as if a different side of my brain has been turned on. Things I never thought I’d want to do or was capable of, is moving to the forefront. I’ve been building things – and having a ton of fun. I have a power drill that gives me such joy to use it. My brain seems to be unlocking how to do things that I’ve thought of doing but never gave the effort.
And somehow, I know I’m resting. Maybe it’s finally resting from the need to overthink and allowing creativity to look far different than I imagined for myself. And, I can say ‘I’m at peace’.
What does rest and stillness look like for you?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this season. Help me to learn how to truly rest in you, and to take joy in not feeling the need to run from one thing to another. Help me to allow myself the time to truly process what is happening and to be present in the season you have called me to.